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PhD in Development of Individual-Specific Molecular Networks

Employer
KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Location
Leuven, Louvain (BE)
Closing date
13 Dec 2019

DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUAL-SPECIFIC MOLECULAR NETWORKS

(ref. BAP-2019-759)

As part of a larger Innovative Training Network (ITN) EU funded project, TranSYS (https://h2020transys.eu), we offer a unique PhD opportunity in an interdisciplinary research collaboration between Prof. Kristel Van Steen and Prof. Peter Claes / Prof. Hilde Peeters at KU Leuven. In this project, we view human beings (e.g. patients) as complex biological systems driven by interactions within and between multiple layers of omics data. We use this viewpoint to develop networks of “meaningful” nodes and edges that are individual-specific (i.e., personalized). We will do so by combining network theoretical considerations with statistics, systems genetics, bioinformatics and principles of genetic epidemiology. The developed approaches in this project are expected to have a wide applicability to enhance precision medicine at the interrace of translational science and systems medicine.

Project

Describing a system implies describing its behavior and important control mechanisms that regulate this behavior. Crucial in this process are interactions, which may occur at different levels or scales, and thus network theory and network visualization are increasingly being used to understand biological mechanisms operating in human systems. However, an individual, especially when in poor health, is likely to deviate from the “norm” in human systems. In this project, we wish to develop omics data integrative gene-based networks to enhance Precision Medicine. Such a network would enable the identification of gene modules that are subject-specific (in network nodes/edges) and comprise multi-layer cellular information. It goes beyond existing work in that genes are considered to be complex multi-omics systems, and that statistical significance is assessed for individual-specific nodes/edges (in contrast to f.i. Menche et al. 2017 and Kuijjer et al. 2018). We aim to achieve our goal by building upon  the aforementioned references and our work on gene representations using diffusion kernels and network theory (Fouladi et al. 2018). Personalized gene omics-integrative signatures will primarily be derived by combining genome, transcriptome and epigenome data for complex diseases with an inflammatory component.

The project outcome will lead to an integrative workflow for patient-specific prognostic or predictive biomarker discovery. The opportunity to carry out secondments at Institut Pasteur (France – Prof Benno Schwikowski) and the Golden Helix Foundation (UK – Prof George Patrinos), will further foster assessing the general feasibility of the developed techniques towards clinical application, formulating preliminary guidelines regarding multi-target (rather than single-target) drug strategies, and making recommendations about drug efficacy study designs.

Profile

  • A strong background in network analysis and statistics.
  • Experience with multi-omics data, bioinformatics or computational biology, big data handling, is an advantage.
  • Interested in collaborative, interdisciplinary and intensive research experience.
  • A team player.
  • Eager to go beyond scientific comfort zones.
  • Good skills in oral and written English.

TranSYS wishes to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. In total 15 early-stage researchers will be recruited that will work at the 13 beneficiaries all across Europe.

We expect that applicants hold a university degree that qualifies them for doctoral studies at their recruiting organization. Every applicant can apply for up to three ESR positions (first, second, third choice) from the list above.
At the time of commencement, it is required that the candidate has not been awarded a doctorate degree and is within the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of her/his research career. Furthermore, the candidate must not have resided or carried out her/his main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to her/his recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account. The candidate is required to spend part of his/her project period at other institutions in the TranSYS consortium on secondments.

Offer

We offer an interesting project in the field of human genetics in close collaboration with researchers in computational imaging and biology. You will be embedded in a multidisciplinary research group and you will be involved in international collaborations. You will be able to use the newest genotyping technology and the appropriate bioinformatics tools. You will acquire a solid background in studying the genetic etiology of human developmental disorders and normal quantitative traits

Attractive 3-year full-time employment contract in accordance with the MSCA regulations for early stage researchers of the European Commission.
Enrolment in a PhD program whereby PhD tuition fee is paid by project.
Supervision by recognized experts and access to (beyond) state-of-the-art research and pilot-scale infrastructure.

Training in complementary skills via participation at local and network-based events.

Terms of appointment and payment according to the rules and regulations laid down by European Union’s Horizon 2020 Marie S. Curie Innovative Training Networks and regulations followed by the host institution.
All beneficiaries will be full-time employed at their (host) institution. The researchers are expected to conduct secondments at other network partners and countries, as planned by the main host.

Interested?

Only applications for which the following information has been uploaded will be considered:

  • Cover Letter, describing your motivation to apply, your research career goals, skills and experience, and your preferred TOP 3 ESR positions (see website). Development of individual-specific molecular networks = ESR1. 
  • CV
  • Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)
  • Full contact details of two reference persons
  • Documentation of English language qualifications
  • Other information for consideration (e.g., a list of publications if applicable)

Only applications in English are considered. The board of the network will evaluate all applications, and the top-ranked candidates will be invited for interviews.

For more information please contact Prof. Kristel Van Steen, mail: kristel.vansteen@kuleuven.be;  Prof. Peter Claes, mail: peter.claes@kuleuven.be or Prof. Hilde Peeters, mail: hilde.peeters@uzleuven.be

Please mention 'PhD position TranSYS' in your subject.

As we collect all applications from all different EU countries in 1 application tool, we request to use the TranSYS application tool: https://h2020transys.eu/transys-recruitment-2nd-call/
Attention! APPLY HERE: https://h2020transys.eu/transys-recruitment-2nd-call/​ (the deadline for application 13.12.2019)
DO NOT use the following KU Leuven tool:

You can apply for this job no later than December 13, 2019 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.

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